Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs ground turkey
  • 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni, chopped
  • 1/4 cup marinara sauce for topping

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the beaten egg and combine with minced onion, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, and 1/2 cup of marinara sauce.
  3. Add the ground turkey, Italian breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined, taking care not to over-mix.
  4. Press half of the meat mixture into the prepared pan. Create a shallow well in the center and fill with 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and some of the chopped pepperoni.
  5. Cover with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the edges carefully to trap the cheese inside.
  6. Bake for 40 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reaches an internal temperature of 155°F (68°C).
  7. Remove from the oven and spread the remaining 1/4 cup of marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and layer the remaining pepperoni slices on top.
  8. Return to the oven for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C).
  9. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to ensure the juices redistribute.